Mushrooms on pizza do not excite me. And happening upon a mushroom when I’d much rather find a fried sweet potato or cauliflower in my tempura is always unwelcome. But one Portobello burger can go a long way. Next thing you know, you are looking at seed catalogs and ordering what is known in shiitake farmer’s language […]
I promised to share my ten books for the gardeners in my life. Woohoo! Books are always helpful for gardeners, and any garden-related gift is timely, because gardens (for gardeners and everyone else) are gifts that keep. on. giving!!! We only recommend products and services we wholeheartedly endorse. This post may contain special links through […]
Whether you live 45 minutes from the nearest store or within driving distance to three of our garden centers, chances are you appreciate free things. In this particular article, I will share with you at least 7 things you likely have in and around your home that you can use as free (or almost free) […]
What is a vermicomposting worm bin? Vermicomposting is also known as gardening or composting with worm bins. I’ve assembled bins before, and I will again. I have to say it’s much more fun to build with others, instead of by yourself. A long time ago, I made one with my young kids. They were 4, […]
Hosting pets, livestock and wildlife animals in your garden Hosting animals (pets, livestock or wildlife) brings joy to a garden. For the plants, animals and people, you can create a garden that welcomes all. The best part? The animals you invite will help you do it. Read on to find out how! Chickens Almost everyone […]
“Next year will be better”. Have you said this before while working in your fall garden?
Unlike most beekeepers who are having fun in the southeast, I am the World’s Worst Beekeeper. I am not a retired Navy man or engineer, so I do not have the camaraderie I would in a circle of midwives or herbalists. Oh, well. I love honey with a passion. And as a Wonder Woman fan, I […]
Jasmine with Cici the chicken, who provided love and eggs for years. Ten or eleven years ago (now 25 years ago, Ed.), shortly we moved onto our own acre in the country. I began to hear the phrase “chicken tractor.” If you do not know what this is already, the image it probably conjures up […]
This is an ode to all women who live in the country, and chronicle the exciting and the mundane, and entices the rest of us to raise a lamb, plant a bed of asparagus, aspire to grow an entire meal’s worth of food, or at least eat locally for a year. These women have been […]
This is where I turn off the honey and step onto the soapbox. I may sound and feel like vinegar, but it is a reality here in Farm Country: how to survive drought. Very few places where agriculture is the main commerce escape it. The area we left (Virginia Beach) for Scottsville was 2-4 feet […]
